Through three weeks of the season, Andres Gimenez has been among the Mets’ best players, but that does not mean he remains in the lineup.
With Amed Rosario sidelined for a third straight day with a stomach bug and Robinson Cano on the injured list with a left winger, finding playing time for Gimenez has been easy for manager Luis Rojas. When Cano and Rosario returned close, there could be difficult choices, including placing Gimenez on the bench.
“Rosario is our shortstop,” Rojas said Thursday when the Mets were ready to tackle the Citizens at Citi Field.
Cano (left body) is eligible for removal from the IL on Friday and figures to receive time at DH as second base. That would mean a shared role for the 21-year-old Gimenez, who has spoken defensively and kept his own on the plate. Cano beat the Mets by a .412 handball average before going on IL.
And the Mets are not ready to nominate Rosario for Gimenez.
“[Rosario] has been our shortstop since 1, “said Rojas.” We are comfortable with him, he can make the plays and he is our shortstop. “
Rojas added that he would expect Gimenez to rotate between second, third and shortstop as needed.
“Andres will be the man who will help us,” Rojas said. “He has been very versatile for us, he played a good second base, a good third base, along with how well he played short.”
.
